Análisis del sistema productivo de amaranto en Temoac, Morelos, México

Se realizó una caracterización del proceso productivo de amaranto de Temoac, Morelos, para conocer por qué la superficie se está reduciendo. Se utilizó una encuesta dirigida a 64 productores (mayo-septiembre de 2013). En promedio siembran 2.7 ha, son minifundistas y 92% cultivan en ejidos. No cuentan con crédito y seguro agrícola. Su producción es de temporal, con 1.5 toneladas por hectárea; 47% de los productores disminuye-ron la superficie sembrada en los últimos años. Existe un desarrollo de economías familiares, con uso de mano de obra familiar. Los costos por hectárea tienen como rubro importante los gastos de labores manuales (49%), sólo 15% de los productores tiene tractor. La baja productividad y mecanización son los principales problemas que influyen para que se abandone la producción.A characterization of amaranth productive process was carried out in Temoac, Morelos; in order to understand why this crop has decreased. A survey of 64 producers (May-September 2013) was used. The production unit is 2.7 hectares in average; so they are smallholders; 92% of peasants are growing in communal landholdings. They have no credit nor agricultural insurance. The production is seasonal, with 1.5 tons per hectare; 47% of peasants downsized the amaranth planting surface. There is a development of household economy by using family labor. The costs per hectare are an important category of manual labor costs (49%). Only 15% of peasants have tractors. Low productivity and mechanization are the main factors that are causing the reduc-tion of productio

Phosphorus and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Green Bean Plants Subjected to Increasing Phosphorus Concentration in the Nutrient Solution

Phosphorus (P) is considered an elementary mineral nutrient for plants. Nevertheless, excessive or deficit supply to the crop may cause negative changes at the physiological level. Plants were cultivated in pots in a growth chamber under increasing P concentration (P1 (0.5 mmol/L (control treatment)), P2 (1 mmol/L); P3 (2 mmol/L); P4 (4 mmol/L); P5 (6 mmol/L), and P6 (8 mmol/L)) in the nutrient solution for 40 days. At the end of the experimental period, biomass, carbohydrates concentration, and enzymatic activities related to the synthesis and degradation of sucrose as well as the different fractions of P in different organs of the plant were assessed. The results obtained in this experiment reveal a decrease in biomass under increasing P supply. Fructose, glucose, sucrose, and starch concentrations were higher in the shoots compared to the roots. There were different trends in the roots and shoots in enzymatic activities related to sucrose. The increase in P dose increased the concentration of the different forms assessed for P in all the organs studied. Seed phytate concentration surpassed the threshold established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for green bean plants grown under P4, P5, and P6 treatments. Considering the results obtained, we suggest fertigation with a concentration of 2 mmol/L to obtain a higher productivity without excess of phytate in seeds

Nanopartículas de quitosán mejoran el rendimiento, actividad enzimática y compuestos bioactivos en frutos de tomate

Las nanopartículas de quitosán (NPsCS) son utilizadas como bioestimulantes naturales en la agricultura sustentable, ya que incrementan la productividad de los cultivos e inducen la síntesis de antioxidantes enzimáticos y no enzimáticos, protegiendo a la planta del estrés. El presente estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de la aplicación foliar de las NPsCS sobre el rendimiento, actividad enzimática y contenido de compuestos bioactivos en frutos de tomate. El ensayo se estableció en un diseño completamente al azar con seis dosis crecientes de NPsCS: 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 y 0.8 mg mL-1. La aspersión foliar de 0.2 mg mL-1 aumentó el rendimiento, tamaño y firmeza de los frutos; en cambio dosis alta incrementan los compuestos bioactivos y la actividad enzimática. El uso de NPsCS aplicadas de forma foliar presentan un gran potencial para utilizarse como bioestimulantes para mejorar el rendimiento y obtener alimentos funcionales

ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by chemical precipitation to increase germination and bioactive compounds in sprouts of Raphanus sa-tivus L.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the influence of priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) on germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content of radish sprouts. Design/methodology/approach: A total of five NPs-ZnO treatments and one control treatment each with four replications under a completely randomized design were evaluated. Results: The NPs-ZnO evaluated increased the variables of germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content compared to untreated radish sprouts. Limitations on study/implications: It is difficult to establish a response model of the effects of NPs because the shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition and concentration of NPs can cause different impacts on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: The use of NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since moving Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient. Keywords: Raphanus sativus, nanofertilizer, zinc oxideObjective: To examine how priming radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) affects their germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content. Design/methodology/approach: We evaluated five NPs-ZnO treatments and a control sample with four replications under a completely randomized design. Results: Sprouts treated with NPs-ZnO showed increased germination variables, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content as compared to untreated radish sprouts. Study limitations/implications: It is hard to establish a response model for the effects of NPs since their shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition, and concentration may have a differentiated impact on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: Using NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since the passage of Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient

Efecto del ácido cítrico sobre los compuestos fenólicos, los flavonoides y la capacidad antioxidante en brotes de trigo

Wheat sprouts are a source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that have been linked to the prevention and treatment of illnesses. The presence of these compounds in wheat sprouts may be increased by means of the application of organic acids during the growth stage. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a sprayed application of citric acid (0, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 and 10-5 M) on the total antioxidant capacity and total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in wheat sprouts. A completely randomized design was used, consisting of six repetitions. The results showed that phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity increased significantly with the application of a 10-2 M foliar spray as compared to the control. As such, the spraying of low concentrations of secondary metabolism-inducing molecules during the sprout development process is a useful and effective method to stimulate the biosynthesis of bioactive phytochemicals and improve the nutraceutical quality of wheat sprouts.Los brotes o germinados son una fuente de carbohidratos, fibra, vitaminas, nutrimentos esenciales y compuestos bioactivos, los cuales se han relacionado con la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades. La presencia de estos compuestos, en brotes de trigo, pueden incrementarse mediante la aplicación de ácidos orgánicos durante la etapa de crecimiento. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación por aspersión de ácido cítrico (0, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 y 10-5 M) en la capacidad antioxidante total, contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales y flavonoides totales en brotes de trigo. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con seis repeticiones. Los resultados mostraron que los compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y la capacidad antioxidante se incrementaron significativamente con la aspersión foliar 10-2 M en relación al testigo. Por lo tanto, la aspersión de bajas concentraciones de moléculas inductoras del metabolismo secundario durante la etapa de desarrollo de brotes es un método útil y efectivo para estimular la biosíntesis de fitoquímicos bioactivos y mejorar calidad nutracéutica de los brotes de trigo.Fil: Preciado-Rangel, Pablo. Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón (México)Fil: Gaucín-Delgado, Jazmín Monserrat. Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón (México)Fil: Salas-Pérez, Lilia. Universidad Politécnica de Gómez Palacio (México)Fil: Sánchez Chavez, Esteban. Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo (México)Fil: Mendoza-Vllarreal, Rosalinda. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro (México)Fil: Rodríguez Ortiz, Juan Carlos. Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (México

Yield of forage, grain and biomass in eight hybrids of maize with different sowing dates and environmental conditions

The aim was to evaluate yield of forage, grain and biomass and fibre content of eight hybrids of maize (Rio-Grande, Arrayan, Genex 778, Narro 2010, Advance 2203, DAS 2358, P4082W and HT9150W) during two sowing seasons (spring/summer) for two consecutive years at La Laguna in Torreon, Mexico. Once the grain progression of the kernel milk line was ⅓, green forage yield (GFY), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined. When the corncobs were fully mature, grain yield (GY) and biomass production (TBP) were determined. Weather conditions were recorded during the experiment. The results indicated that maximum temperature was higher and rainfall lower in the summer sowing and second year. Spring sowing had significantly higher yields of GFY, DM, GY and TBP compared to summer sowing. The first year of study showed significantly higher yields regarding GFY, GY and TBP, but FDN, FDA, DM content compared to the second year. The best hybrid for GFY and DM was Rio-Grande; for FDN and FDA was Advance 2203; for GY was HT9150W and finally for TBP was Arrayan. Regardless of the hybrid used and the sowing season, production of maize depended on external factors such as maximum temperature and rainfall; therefore, producers need to consider sowing in spring to avoid the negative effect of high temperatures on plant development.The aim was to evaluate yield of forage, grain and biomass and fibre content of eight hybrids of maize (Rio-Grande, Arrayan, Genex 778, Narro 2010, Advance 2203, DAS 2358, P4082W and HT9150W) during two sowing seasons (spring/summer) for two consecutive years at La Laguna in Torreon, Mexico. Once the grain progression of the kernel milk line was ⅓, green forage yield (GFY), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined. When the corncobs were fully mature, grain yield (GY) and biomass production (TBP) were determined. Weather conditions were recorded during the experiment. The results indicated that maximum temperature was higher and rainfall lower in the summer sowing and second year. Spring sowing had significantly higher yields of GFY, DM, GY and TBP compared to summer sowing. The first year of study showed significantly higher yields regarding GFY, GY and TBP, but FDN, FDA, DM content compared to the second year. The best hybrid for GFY and DM was Rio-Grande; for FDN and FDA was Advance 2203; for GY was HT9150W and finally for TBP was Arrayan. Regardless of the hybrid used and the sowing season, production of maize depended on external factors such as maximum temperature and rainfall; therefore, producers need to consider sowing in spring to avoid the negative effect of high temperatures on plant development

Potential Transference of CP4 EPSPS to Weed Species from Genetically Modified Gossypium hirsutum in Northern Mexico

The family of enzymes 5-enolpiruvil shikimato-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) is found in plants and microorganisms. The substrates of this enzyme are phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and 3-phospho-shikimate and their products are phosphate and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate that is the biological target of the herbicide glyphosate, which is used in genetically modified crops. The interaction between cultivated genetically modified plants (GMP) and wild plant species could be a transference source of transgenes. Presence of transgenes could be cause and adverse environmental impact on non-target organisms. Gossypium hirsutum genotype Bollgard II® is a GMP with tolerance to herbicide glyphosate and it has been cultivated during 20 years in Mexico and the possibility to gene flow primary in congeners of the Malvaceae family is possible. The objective of this study was to quantify and identify weed species associated to genetically modified cotton fields and to detect the present of glyphosate-insensitive EPSP synthases (CP4 EPSPS) in these species. The results showed that plants of the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Portulacaceae, Solanaceae and Zygophyllaceae are present in the study site. Twenty-five weed species belonging to these botanical families were collected and identified in the site. From these, two species of the Malvaceae family with potential risk of gene flow plants, Anoda cristata and Sida hederacea were identified in the site; however, the CP4 EPSPS protein was not detected in none of the collected weed species and only the GM genotype Bollgard II® was positive to the CP4 EPSPS protein in the study site

Amaranth production in Tulyehualco Xochimilco, Mexico City

During 2010-2019 amaranth has been cultivated in at least 11 states in Mexico, in Mexico City is grown in the municipalities of Xochimilco, Milpa Alta and Tláhuac, highlighting Xochimilco for harvested area and production with 82.9 ha and 91.7 t which represents 60.4% and 55.6% respectively. The objective of the research is to know the form of production and commercialization of amaranth in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco to identify and propose improvement actions. The information was obtained through the application of a survey through a non-probability sampling for convenience, with the criterion of selection of individuals who were willing to be surveyed, and the survey was applied from September to December 2019, to 35 producers, 3 marketers and 4 transformers. The production of amaranth is carried out in two ways, by means of chapin and directly, by its traditional way of producing it the crop is ancestral in those areas, so there is a millenary knowledge of the families that are dedicated to the planting of the crop. Amaranth production has a positive cost benefit ratio R (B / C), however in direct sowing production this is better. Planting with a seedbed (Chapin) has higher costs and yield, however, this does not compensate the producer in profits. For a potential impact at the amaranth production level, the adoption of technologies related to density, nutrition and technical recommendations for pest and disease control.Objective: To know the form of production and commercialization of amaranth in Tulyehualco, Xochimilco, to identify and propose improvement actions. Methodology: During 2010-2019, amaranth was cultivated in at least 11 states in Mexico, while in Mexico City it is grown in the municipalities of Xochimilco, Milpa Alta and Tláhuac. Xochimilco stands out due to harvested area and production, with 82.9 ha and 91.7 t which represents 60.4% and 55.6% respectively. The information was obtained through the application of a survey through non-probability sampling for convenience, with the selection criterion of individuals who were willing to be surveyed, and the survey was applied from September to December 2019, to n=35 producers, n=3 marketers and n=4 transformers. Amaranth production is carried out in two ways, by means of chapin and directly, and due to its traditional way of producing the crop is ancestral in those areas, so there is a millenary knowledge of the families that are dedicated to planting the crop. Results: Amaranth production has a positive cost benefit ratio R (B / C) although production is better in direct sowing. Planting with a seedbed (Chapin) has higher costs and yield, however, this does not compensate the producer in profits. Conclusions: For a potential impact at the level of amaranth production, the adoption of technologies related to density, nutrition and technical recommendations for pest and disease control is necessar

Impact of the foliar application of magnesium nanofertilizer on physiological and biochemical parameters and yield in green beans

One of the most significant challenges humanity will face is food production. In order to preserve the output, mineral fertilizers are essential. However, it's not a suitable option in the long term. Magnesium is a crucial macronutrient, but it is the most limiting element in agriculture. Nanotechnology, with the implementation of nanofertilizers, is an excellent alternative since it provides nutrients, supports growth, and improves production; this in low amounts is more sustainable than conventional fertilizers. Although there is a piece of limited information regarding the proper foliar application of this macronutrient, the study helped to validate the effect of the foliar application of Magnesium nano fertilizer on the physiological, biochemical responses and yield of bean plants. Bean plants ejotero cv. ‘Strike’ and magnesium nanoparticles were applied at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm. The biomass accumulation, yield, activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase, and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated. The foliar application of Mg nanoparticles at 50 ppm generated the highest amount of biomass and photosynthetic pigments. The 100 ppm dose improved pods yield and allowed the increased activity of the Nitrate Reductase enzyme. The results obtained suggest that, when increasing the dose of magnesium in plants, the amount of carotenes decreases